‘Oz, the musical' to be staged in Lubbock

NICKI BRUCE LOGAN Herald Lifestyles Editor

Published 7:00 pm, Monday, August 25, 2008

Todrick Hall held sold-out performances of his original musical, "OZ, the Musical," in Plainview last spring at the Fair Theatre. Next weekend, his version of Oz will be produced under the same format in Lubbock.

While the Plainview production featured local talent, the Lubbock show will spotlight several familiar faces from American Idol: Mikalah Gordon, Rickey Smith, Scott Savol and Vonzell Solomon. They will join 100 of the area's most talented children, Ballet Lubbock and a cast of many others to present the musical at the Lubbock Civic Center. Tickets for the show, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, are $20.

A trademark of Hall's shows is local tryouts, intense rehearsals and mesmerizing performances, all organized and staged within a few weeks.

"OZ, the Musical," written, directed and choreographed by Hall who performed in Oprah Winfrey's "The Color Purple" on Broadway, is an urban/contemporary take on L. Frank Baum's classic tale, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Complete with flying monkeys, Hall's musical takes Dorothy and her friends to the streets where they learn more about life and friendship than they anticipated.

Force of Rhythm, a non-profit organization, will award four scholarships to members of the cast for a full year's tuition to the Hub Performing Arts School. Force of Rhythm and the cast and crew of "OZ, the Musical" will present the awards to the four children at the close of Saturday night's performance.

Hall's goal, the driving force behind his productions, is to introduce children to the performing arts.

"I think the arts help develop responsibility and dedication, and we are having a great time," says Hall.

With 13 original pieces of music, an enthusiastic cast and memorable stage props, "OZ, the Musical" provides entertainment for musical enthusiasts of all ages, Hall adds.

The Lubbock Civic Center is located at 1501 Mac Davis Lane (Sixth Street) in Lubbock. Call 806-770-2000 for more information. To purchase tickets by credit card, visit www.selectaseatlubbock.com.